Editorial: Answer sought for life's 'most persistent' question

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Martin Luther King, Jr. not just spoke those words, but lived by them. His birthday, had he not been assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39, would have been on Jan. 15, but the federal holiday marking the day is today, Jan. 20.

Since 1994, Congress has designated the holiday as a national day of service, the sole federal holiday dedicated to service.

It’s a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life, and died because, he promoted freedom and justice for all. He preached equality, love, peace and nonviolent solutions to conflict.

But King also made it clear that the only way to achieve such goals was through action.
Hence, those who aren’t required to report to work today are asked to take a “day on, not a day off,” in the service of others. The goal is to move the nation closer to King’s vision of a “beloved community.”

Happily, the majority of organized activities tied to the day of service already had enough volunteers. But the opportunities to give to others are limitless and take countless forms.

Service projects build stronger communities, strengthen individuals and create bonds.
So we persist in repeating King’s words: “What are you doing for others?”